Fish Stocking Plan 2017 to 2022

ScopeThe scope of this document is to provide a five year stocking plan with funding directly available to support this. A fishery management plan will accompany this which will allow effective support in these areas longer-term.Over the past 5 years it has become more apparent that Manvers Lake has grown in both popularity and the scope (and indeed success) of the activities offered. MWBC has been present since 2008 and the initial development of the boathouse provided a much needed facility for ‘encouraging outdoor recreation’.In the spirit of this, the lake is now used for: dragon boat events, kayaking, canoeing, open water swimming, triathlon, model boating, angling, running walking etc. The approximate membership of MWBC stands around the 700 mark with the forecasted growth, has the potential to increase by a third over the next 5 years.Both the current and future success of MWBC relies on all sections maximising opportunities and continuing to reach out to new members and encourage current members to renew. This proposal mutually recognises the present and future success of MWBC with the methods set out below.What does the Angling Section need to succeed?The Angling section at MWBC has a devoted number of members that make up the section and the demographic is truly varied. The current number stands at 52 members but there is scope to grow to 100 with the correct planning. It must be recognised that some members are not solely using the facility for angling purposes and take part in the varied programme at MWBC.Both the anglers themselves and section leads are agreed in the fact that Manvers Lake has great potential and at this time a ‘maintenance’ approach to its success is being applied. The lake would benefit from a planned and audited stocking programme (all coarse species) which would allow the Angling section of MWBC to grow and thrive. This in turn would only benefit MWBC, enhancing its reputation in the wider communities and user groups it strives to reach.Current PositionThe lake does not currently have a stocking record other than the 1000 small carp that were released over 7 years ago. The success of this is relatively unknown as no scientific or quantitative approaches have proven its success. There have not been a high volume of recaptures which does lend some weight to the view that the survival rate from natural predation is very low. Due to their size, they were easy prey for the specimens that Manvers holds. We do need to acknowledge this fact as future success depends on us reflecting on previous approaches and if they brought the benefit they promised. Mistakes must be learnt from and I propose this is in the foremost of all people managing and volunteering the Angling activities on Manvers Lake.All other species present in the lake are from unverifies sources, river system flooding, transference of spawn by birds etc. The lake depths are too significant to Seine Net the area to carry out an audit of the current stock. Observable data is that silver fish (roach fry populations) are healthy and that the fish present in the lake are reproducing and spawning successfully each season, giving a healthy population of ‘fry’. I cannot speak with any informed data or authority (I am not a fish scientist) that gives the stocking level and amount of species present in the 42 acre site. Such a large body of water is often the preserve of larger specimens and a lower stock, as conditions and food being less with a reduced competition for that food, allowing larger fish to grow.Investment Requirement BackgroundAs Angling Section Lead, I have listened to the thoughts and opinions of many anglers on the bank over the past two years. Throughout this period is can categorically be concluded that the majority of anglers fishing at Manvers enjoy its fishing but are AGREED that the stock needs improvement and continuation for its success for future generations. This was mentioned at the Anglers AGM back in August 2016 and other feedback channels such as social media (Facebook).I have spoken to anglers and their needs centre around fish stock as a priority –Other matters identified for improvement were:

Choice of ‘pegs’ (area where you fish, its accessibility, cleanliness and design to allow ease of use and safety for each fishing session

The Stocking CycleFrom the projections provided, it can be observed that the cyclical investment model looks to support growth, maintain standards of fishing quality, followed by a reinvestment for further stock. This ‘one on one off’ approach is beneficial to the stocking process as naturally one year fish are introduced, the second they are monitored and fishery improvement safeguards their proliferation.Stocking TimescalesWhen stocking fish I have taken advice from fishery owners and fish keepers that the available window to stock fish is between December-February, as long as the ambient water temperature is 4 degrees or less. In each subsequent stocking period (years 1,3 and 5) would take place at these intervals.

Benefit / ROI

The project aims and investment proposal raise much needed revenue for the Angling Section under the banner of MWBC. The money will go towards a number of species being bought and all decisions are to be made by the respective MWBC Committee members and follow all legislative requirements required by the Environment Agency.

A managed approach to the Angling Section with vibrant and successful angling activity (plenty of ‘red letter days’), localised popularity and a welcoming, helpful approach gives the possibility of growth through local affiliations with angling businesses / clubs / tutoring from the Angling Trust / Environment Agency etc.

An increase in stock will signal a change in governance of fishing activities and promote the success that MWBC is experiencing, reaching out to current and new members, ensuring future generations have a direct interaction and relationship with their chosen activity at Manvers Lake.

More people fishing Manvers Lake and being a member of MWBC too, being able to take part in the wide choice of sporting activities on offer. This ensures repeat business is secured and the image of MWBC is augmented.

A future for the fishing on Manvers Lake and those dedicated members who look after its welfare and want to see it thrive, i/e building collective responsibility.

Public consultation: Proving Consensus AgreementCopies of this proposal shall be made available in the members areas of MWBC for any initial view / concerns to be raised in good time and also to be answered personally with full explanation for the avoidance of doubt. If any meeting is requested this shall be held under the formal MWBC club rulings governing meetings and shall be minuted.Social media / larger influence shall be sought via email and internet sources to gain full insight into thoughts and suggestions for continued success of the Angling Section at MWBC.